Police probe arson attack in Co Armagh

A CAR has been destroyed in an arson attack at a house in Markethill, County Armagh.

Police on patrol spotted the smoke arond 1.15 am on Sunday.

When they went to investigate officers found a car on fire at a house on Tandragee Road.

Police said the car was close to the house and officers immediately alerted the occupant who was sleeping and took him to safety.

Police officers also alerted neighbours and drove a neighbour’s van away to ensure it did not catch alight.

They informed the fire service and used hand held extinguishers and a garden hose to dampen the blaze and prevent it from spreading.

The car was completely destroyed in the fire but no-one was hurt.

Sergeant Gwyn of Armagh PSNI, said: “This was a very dangerous fire and due to the quick thinking actions of officers out on patrol no one was hurt.

“The consequences if we had not caught this fire in time, do not bear thinking about.”

Police have launched an investigation and conducted house to house enquiries.